Managing with Composites
As with all engineering firms, composites have a multitude of moving parts that have to align to make sure the right parts are made at the right time. To do this, those in charge need to understand not only their area but the wider functions and industry.
This Managing in Composites training package is designed for technical managers who are directly involved with engineering and manufacturing within the composites industry.
Who is it suitable for?
This package is designed for technical line managers as well as broader operations / general managers who are still involved with technical details.
While directors can use this course, we would recommend our Directing with Composites package. For non-technical managers we would recommend our Working with Composites package instead.
What is covered?
This course requires no prior knowledge about composites however any previous experience will always help.
The course is made up of 7 different modules as below:
This section starts from the ground up of how composite materials and products are selected. This includes:
- Typical Composite Product Lifecycle
- Requirements Capture
- Materials / Manufacturing Selection
- Material Characterisation
- Designing basic laminate stacks
- Tool Design
- Human Factor Analysis
- Design Exercise
This section is to allow students to get and appreciation for the different manufacturing techniques involved in. Practical options to chose from include:
- Wet Layup
- Resin Infusion
- Prepreg Layup
- Trimming / Bonding
This section gives an overview of some of the common health and safety concerns within composites including:
- Common risks with different manufacturing processes
- Risks from material handling
- Common defences against hazards
- What emergency procedures should be considered
While not directly against the criteria, this course provides supporting information towards ISO 45001
This section gives an overview of some quality controls used when dealing with composites
- Typical systems used to capture data throughout a composite lifecycle
- Interpreting data captured
- Expected information from suppliers
- Pitfalls of implementing quality tools within composite processes
While not directly against the criteria, this course provides supporting information towards ISO 9001
This section covers what different composite factories might contain including:
- General layout an different process flows
- Key equipment needed for different processes
- Services needed for general and specific processes
- Common small tools and general ancillaries needed
This section looks at a range of supply chain issues including:
- Typical suppliers and what they are geared towards
- Understanding product codes and names
- Influences on lead times
- Specifying composite components
NB. While international suppliers will be mentioned, this is primarily a UK supply chain focus.
This course covers:
- The difference between digital and automation
- What data can be captured
- How data can be captured
- Ways of displaying data
- Where digital tools are already used in composites
- Asset Tracking within a factory
- Requirements for conducting a digital transformation
In addition to the modules, this package also includes up to two hours of 1-2-1 support to recap any information and/or to go through any company specific problems after the course. This can be done either in person or remotely depending on what fits each student best.
How long and how much?
This is a 5 day course that is split into days as follows:
- Day 1 – Composite Design Fundamentals
- Day 2 – Manufacturing Practical
- Day 3 – H&S Management/ Quality Management
- Day 4 – Factory Operations / Supply Chain Management
- Day 5 – Digital in Composites
It is recommended that this is done in one block but the reality of the world doesn’t always allow for that. Therefore this course can be broken down into smaller blocks as needed.
This package costs £1,200 per person with group sizes up to 10 people*.
*minimum course size is 4 people
What can I study next?
To add to the knowledge gained on this course, students could attend the more in-depth versions of our practical courses:
There are also more design orientated courses that expand on the design module covered: